Ailments and Situations - Menopause (and Related Issues) - Loss of Libido - Introduction

There is a common misconception surrounding menopause that associates reproductive capacity with sexual capacity. As reproductive capacity declines, i.e., "failed productivity", it is commonly believed that sexual desire and activity will do so as well. However, sexual pleasure and reproductive capacity are two distinct functions that stand on their own.

Some women do experience a loss of libido, primarily due to exhaustion from years of stress and the daily demands of life -- there simply is not much energy left for libido. As testosterone levels can also decrease in many postmenopausal women, sexual desire can be affected as well.

Many women are mistakenly seen as lacking sexual desire but in reality lack a suitable / available partner or experience problems during intercourse. 50% of menopausal women experience no decline in libido, while less than 20% experience significant decline.

Another problem that can directly affect a woman's libido is the ability of her partner to get and maintain an erection. If her partner is beginning to experience difficulty in this area, he may view this as impending impotence and avoid sexual activity. Fear of impotence is a common problem for middle-aged couples but can be treated through education and a variety of lifestyle changes.

On the other hand, some women experience greater sexual desire and activity during the climacteric and postmenopausal period as the risk of unwanted pregnancy is no longer a factor. Key to this and other situations of sexual desire and interest is often marital / inter-couple happiness.